Photos

Report

Lomas Cantadas, for the second time in Low-Key history, provided a spectacular day of climbing for both Low-Key faithful and new riders taking advantage of Low-Key's excursion into the East Bay.

After coordinator Cara Coburn honked the horn to begin the day's fun, the front of the field set a ferocious pace. This took a toll, with riders starting to serious crack on the virtual wall at the end of Loma Vista. After more gradual climbing of El Toyonal, a brief descent provided some recovery. But those who went out too hard early on paid for it with major interest when the route took the left onto Las Piedras and subsequently continued onto Lomas Cantadas.

At the front of the field, it was Bill Bushnell setting the top time in the hybrid electric division. After taking finish line photos, Bill would go on to tackle Marin Ave, the bonus climb for the day, to score in the 7x challenge.

Among the solo men, a few were able to sustain that early white-hot pace. In particular, Low-Key overall leader Stefano Profumo finished just ahead of David Collet and Hanns Detlefsen. Hanns made his Low-Key debut last week at Patterson Pass. Bill Laddish, third overall, was the fourth rider to break 16 minutes today. Carl Nielson, who looked to be making a run for the Low-Key overall lead, finished fifth, also sub-16 but letting Stefano breath a little easier for now.

Among the women it was QOM Lisa Penzel who finished first, although perhaps suffering a bit from that early pace. Jennie Phillips, first woman when Low-Key last did this climb in 2008, was second, followed by Janet Gardner, who was 2nd five years ago.

We had one tandem today: the Pauls Chuck and McKenzie scored over 100 points to put Paul in the solid lead for the tandem division. They went on to, incredibly, ride their rig up Marin Ave for the 7x challenge.

In the all-important team competition, new recruit Hanns D added his firepower to Carl and Jennie with the result that Sisters and Misters crushed the competion for the week. The Brown Zone remains in the overall lead, however. Google and CVC were second and third on the day, with The Brown Zone just off the podium.

Thanks to coordinator Cara and the crack team of volunteers today for helping make another Low-Key success! Spectacular weather, great views, excellent company, and gingerbread and brownies at the finish: what could be a better way to spend a Saturday morning?